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A new study highlights the need for enhanced collaboration among occupational health services and other social welfare and health care providers to effectively reduce mental-health-related incapacity for work. The research, conducted on the MYÖTE operational model, emphasizes the importance of overcoming stigma and prejudices associated with mental health disorders in workplace reintegration efforts.
Research on MYÖTE Model Implementation
Researchers from the Finnish Institute of Occupational Health and the University of Eastern Finland examined the factors that either promote or hinder the implementation of the MYÖTE operational model. Their findings, published in BMC Health Services Research, suggest that a structured and cooperative approach between psychiatric specialist health care and occupational health care can significantly improve recovery outcomes and support individuals returning to work.
The Role of Prejudices in Mental Health Treatment
Historically, enhancing collaboration between public and occupational health services has been effective in reducing recovery times for various patient groups, as demonstrated by the TYÖOTE operational model. However, when it comes to mental health disorders, even trained professionals may hold biases.
“Even occupational health care professionals may have negative prejudices related to mental health disorders. It is important to focus on supporting the return to work of people suffering from mental health disorders with the same enthusiasm as, for example, after joint replacement surgery,” says Chief Specialist Pirjo Juvonen-Posti.
The research highlights the necessity of support not only from health care providers but also from workplace supervisors and colleagues to ensure a successful reintegration process.
Overcoming Systemic Challenges
The study points out that the implementation of the MYÖTE model is more complex than in other areas of health care, such as orthopedics. Mikko Henriksson, Senior Specialist at the Finnish Institute of Occupational Health, notes that various stakeholders in mental health care and rehabilitation must coordinate efforts efficiently, a challenge that differs across well-being services counties.
Occupational health care professionals may lack a comprehensive understanding of how mental health treatment is structured within their respective counties. This gap in knowledge further complicates the implementation of standardized operational models.
The Need for Enhanced Cooperation
A core element of the MYÖTE model is the development of collaboration, particularly between psychiatric specialist health care and occupational health care, using an electronic referral system. However, the study finds that electronic referral practices are not fully established everywhere, and improvements are needed to make the process more seamless.
For successful implementation, the treatment of mental disorders should be viewed holistically, involving all relevant stakeholders, including primary health care and rehabilitation providers. By strengthening cooperation and trust among various parties, occupational health care can better fulfill its role in managing work ability and supporting return-to-work processes.
The study underscores that the shared belief in the effectiveness of the MYÖTE model and trust in its developers played a crucial role in its adoption. Occupational health professionals’ confidence in their ability to assess and facilitate workplace reintegration was also identified as a key factor in the model’s success.
Conclusion
Reducing mental-health-related sickness absences requires a concerted effort to foster cooperation among different health care sectors and workplaces while actively addressing the stigma associated with mental health disorders. The MYÖTE model represents a promising approach, but its success depends on systemic improvements, enhanced coordination, and greater awareness among professionals and employers.
Disclaimer: This article is based on research findings from the Finnish Institute of Occupational Health and the University of Eastern Finland. While the MYÖTE model shows promising results, its implementation and effectiveness may vary depending on regional health care structures and workplace policies. Readers are encouraged to refer to the original study for more detailed insights.
